Gouda Cheese vs Monastery Cheeses
Gouda Cheese is a cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Monastery Cheeses is soft, semi-soft, brined and made from cow milk, originating in Belgium, Canada, France, Switzerland and United States.
What Is Gouda Cheese?
Gouda is a famous Dutch cheese named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands. It is typically made from cow's milk and aged to develop a rich, caramel-like sweetness with a smooth, firm texture. Young Gouda is mild and creamy, while aged Gouda becomes hard and crumbly with intense flavors.
What Is Monastery Cheeses?
Monastery cheeses, also known as Trappist or monk cheeses, are produced in several countries, including Belgium, Canada, France, Switzerland, and the United States. Made from cow's milk, these cheeses can be crafted using either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk. They typically have a soft to semi-soft texture and may be brined. The flavor profile ranges from mild to pungent, with a strong, pungent aroma that is characteristic of their washed rind. The cheeses are visually recognized by their golden yellow color. Monastery cheeses are often enjoyed for their rich and complex taste, reflecting the traditional methods used in their production.
What's the Difference Between Gouda Cheese and Monastery Cheeses?
- Origin: Gouda Cheese (Netherlands), Monastery Cheeses (Belgium, Canada, France, Switzerland and United States)
- Milk type: Gouda Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Monastery Cheeses (cow's milk)
- Rind: Gouda Cheese (Durable), Monastery Cheeses (washed)
- Taste: Gouda Cheese (Sweet to nutty), Monastery Cheeses (mild, pungent)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Gouda Cheese | Monastery Cheeses | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Belgium, Canada, France, Switzerland And United States |
| Specific Origin | Southern Holland | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Soft, semi-soft, brined |
| Rind | Durable | Washed |
| Taste | Sweet to nutty | Mild, pungent |
Taste Comparison: Does Gouda Cheese Taste Like Monastery Cheeses?
Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Monastery Cheeses brings mild, pungent character.
Can You Substitute Gouda Cheese for Monastery Cheeses?
Gouda Cheese can stand in for Monastery Cheeses in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty while Monastery Cheeses brings mild, pungent notes.
Which Is Better, Gouda Cheese or Monastery Cheeses?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese suits recipes that want sweet to nutty notes, while Monastery Cheeses fits dishes calling for mild, pungent.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gouda Cheese the same as Monastery Cheeses?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Gouda Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Monastery Cheeses comes from Belgium, Canada, France, Switzerland and United States. Gouda Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Monastery Cheeses uses cow.
Is Gouda Cheese similar to Monastery Cheeses?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Gouda Cheese for Monastery Cheeses?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Gouda Cheese taste like Monastery Cheeses?
Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Monastery Cheeses is mild, pungent.
What is Gouda Cheese made of?
Gouda Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in Netherlands.
What is Monastery Cheeses made of?
Monastery Cheeses is made from cow milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in Belgium, Canada, France, Switzerland and United States.
Which should I choose, Gouda Cheese or Monastery Cheeses?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.